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Inflation Limits Lao Families’ Recovery From COVID-19, Says New World Bank Report

Inflation Limits Lao Families’ Recovery From COVID-19, World Bank Report Finds
Mothers and their children, Laos. ( Photo: World Bank )

While economic activity has recently picked up in Laos, the rising cost of living is having a widespread negative impact, with poorer families most severely affected, a World Bank survey released in May shows.

Get Ready for More Magic at 7-Eleven: New Limited-Edition Disney 100th Anniversary Items Join Latest “Match & Go” Collectible Programme

New batch of must-have items added to the talk-of-the-town collection include a series of four Limited Edition Mix-It-up Lanyard Sets, Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hats, Pop-up Ears Umbrellas and Foldable Storage Box Set

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 9 May 2023 – 7-Eleven launched its exclusive “Match & Go” Collectible Programme in late April to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary. This unique collection brings together eight excellent quality and great value 3-in-1 Match & Go Sets featuring eight beloved Disney and Pixar characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Sulley, Edna Mode, Chip ‘n Dale, Stitch, Lotso and Alien. The collection has been incredibly popular, and 7-Eleven is excited to announce that more surprises on their way with the launch of more exciting items as part of its Match & Go collection. These include a series of four Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Sets, Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hats, Pop-up Ears Umbrellas and a Foldable Storage Box Set. Practical yet stylish, this new batch of items will drop at 7-Eleven on 10 May in limited quantities. Don’t miss your chance to bring the magic of Disney home and share it with your loved ones!

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Match & Go with this cute yet practical series of four Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Sets!

Four different styles are available featuring some of your favourite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Chip ‘n Dale, Stitch, Donald Duck, Alien, Sulley, Lotso and Edna Mode! And the best part? You can take themEwith you on all your adventures!

Each Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set includes three cool accessories: a cord phone strap, a pompom charm, and two Disney character clips. And with four different colour straps available, you can mix and match to create a variety of awesome looks for any occasion. This phone lanyard is not only stylish, but practical too. It can be extended up to 160cm and adjusted to your preferred length for convenient neck or cross-body use. This makes it perfect for anyone, regardless of body type or style preference. What’s more, you can also pair and attach the accessories from your 3-in-1 Match & Go Sets for even more fun and fashion possibilities. Just clip them on and you’re good to go!

Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set Product Details:

1. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Mickey Mouse and Chip ‘n Dale

Get ready to mix it up with Mickey and Chip ‘n Dale! This lanyard set is the perfect way to add a little personality to your style. The black cord strap with its red stripe pattern and red pom-pom charm is great for dark and stylish outfits. Plus, the two clips are compatible with most phone cases, so you can keep switching up your look with either design. Complete the look and pair with accessories from your 3-in-1 Match & Go Set for the ultimate fashion statement!

2. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Stitch and Donald Duck

Stitch and Donald Duck both love blue, so the cord phone strap comes in a light blue with white stripes and a turquoise pom-pom charm, perfect for both men and women. The clips will not interfere when you need to charge your phone and the 7mm thick cord strap is more than sturdy enough to hang the pouch of your 3-in-1 Match & Go Set from. From now on, you can carry your tissues, phone and more together without worry!

3. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Alien and Sulley

Alien and Sulley feature in this lovely purple set, accented with blue stripes and a pink pom-pom for a bright and colourful look. The set pairs perfectly with the 3-in-1 Match & Go Set for a cute yet practical addition to your travel, hiking or outdoor gear. With this set, you’ll always have your favourite characters by your side!

4. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Lotso and Edna Mode

This set features a sweet macaron pink and purple colour scheme that is sure to be popular with anyone who loves all things cute! It comes with two different character clips, Lotso and Edna Mode, that add a touch of personality. When it’s time to go out for lunch, simply attach the lightweight card holder from the 3-in-1 Match & Go Set to the cord strap, and easily store your Octopus card and credit cards inside! This must-have set is super convenient and practical for anyone always on the go.

CAUTION

  • We are not responsible for any damage to this product caused from misusage.
  • This is not a toy. Product may contain small parts, not suitable for children under 4 years old.
  • This product contains cord which presents a potential strangulation hazard. Adult supervision required.


USE AND CARE

  • Do not place near heat sources such as gas stove, ovens and heaters to avoid fire or damage.
  • Do not use dryer or hot air blower to avoid damage.
  • Wipe clean only. Only use water with mild soap. Remove the soap residue by using damp cloth.
  • Ensure it has been completely dried before storage. Keep in cool and dry place.
  • The slight colour variance on decoration is an acceptable phenomenon.
Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set Collectible Programme details:

Stamp distribution details:
From now until 6 June 2023, customers will receive one stamp upon a $20# purchase and one more stamp for every additional $10 purchase at 7-Eleven stores*.

Redemption details:
From 10 May (7am) to 9 June 2023, customers can redeem two Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Sets randomly with 8 stamps plus $128 or one Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set randomly with 8 stamps plus $78. Limited quantity, while stocks last.

Exclusive yuu Member Offer:
Promotion period: 10 May to 12 May 2023 (3 days in total). Item redemption period in store: From 10 May (7am) to 15 May 2023, yuu Members can redeem one Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set randomly with 8,800 yuu Points plus $58. Limited quantity, while stocks last.

Have fun with four Disney characters on these two cute Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hats!
When it comes to spring and summer days out, these two “Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hats” are simply a must-have! The designs of the two hats feature four lovely Disney characters: Lotso, Sulley, Stitch, and Alien. The bucket hats are reversible, with different characters and colours on each side. One side features the pop-up ear design, while the other side is decorated with an embroidered patch. Simply flip the hat to switch designs depending on your mood or outfit – you’ve got two hats in one! The hats are made from 100% polyester and have a circumference of approximately 59cm. They’re super practical and suitable for all, regardless of gender, and can be paired with a variety of outfits.

Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hat Product Details:

1. Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hat — Lotso and Sulley

One side of the bucket hat comes in Lotso’s iconic pink colour and features his mischievous pop-up ears, ideal for bold outfits, going to parties, or visiting theme parks. The other side is in a simple Japanese-style beige with a cute, embroidered patch, offering a subtle yet adorable look that will go with a variety of different outfits. With one hat offering two completely different styles, it’s definitely a high-quality, great value choice.

2. Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hat — Stitch and Alien

Want to hang out with Stitch and have Alien by your side? Simply flip this bucket to make both dreams come true! The reversible design features both iconic characters – one side showcasing Stitch’s playful expression and signature blue colour, complete with his adorable long ears. The other side comes in a low-key navy blue and decorated with an embroidered patch of Alien, perfect for pairing with dark or denim outfits. This hat will be sure to complete your look!

CAUTION

This is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 4 years old.

USE AND CARE

  • Do not place near heat sources such as gas stove, ovens and heaters to avoid fire or damage.
  • For liquid spills, do not wipe directly. First use a paper towel to absorb the moisture, then use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning agent to wipe it clean.
  • When using a vacuum cleaner, please use a standard suction nozzle and do not use a rotating suction head.
  • The slight colour variance on decoration is an acceptable phenomenon.
Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hat Redemption Details:
From 10 May (7am) to 9 June 2023 with any purchase#, customers can redeem one Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hat for $89 or 9,000 yuu Points plus $35. Customers can choose their favourite design. Limited quantity, while stocks last.

Alien and Chip ‘n Dale Pop-up Ears Umbrellas – your best friend, rain or shine!

Chip ‘n Dale and Alien transform into two Pop-up Ear Umbrellas ­– to accompany you on both rainy and sunny days! These long umbrellas provide UV protection and have a J-shaped handle. The bright blue and green of Alien’s umbrella will turn heads, together with its pop-up Alien motif on the top, making it super cute. The earth-toned Chip ‘n Dale umbrella also features a pop-up motif of Chip ‘n Dale, with their ears sticking up for an extra adorable touch. These umbrellas score high in both quality and style, making them a must-have for all Disney fans!

Pop-up Ears Umbrella Product Details:

1. Pop-up Ears Umbrella – Alien

This design comes in an eye-catching blue and green colour scheme with multiple images of Alien printed on the canopy. The top of the umbrella features a pop-up Alien motif, which makes the umbrella stand out even more and fun to use even on rainy days.

2. Pop-up Ears Umbrella – Chip ‘n Dale

Featuring earthy tones, this Chip ‘n Dale design umbrella has the images of your favourite chipmunks and an array of acorns printed on its surface. The umbrella also features a pop-up Chip ‘n Dale motif on top of the canopy, which will definitely turn heads on rainy days.

CAUTION

  • This is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 4 years old.

USE AND CARE

  • Do not place near heat sources such as gas stove, ovens and heaters to avoid fire or damage.
Pop-up Ears Umbrella Redemption Details:
From 10 May (7am) to 9 June 2023 with any purchase#, customers can redeem one Pop-up Ears Umbrella for $149 or 9,000 yuu Points plus $95. Customers can choose their favourite design. Limited quantity, while stocks last.

Keep your home tidy with the Foldable Storage Box Set
Got a lot of clutter at home but don’t know where to start organising? The Foldable Storage Box Set includes three colourful boxes featuring Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Chip ‘n Dale designs in two different sizes, perfect for little ones to organise their toys and belongings. The boxes can be neatly stacked, or the two small boxes can be placed on top of the larger one for even more convenient storage. With handles on either end, they are easy to carry and save space. A new household essential to keep things neat and tidy!

Foldable Storage Box Set Product Details:

1. Foldable Storage Box ­– Chip ‘n Dale

With its brown colour scheme, this storage box is ideal for storing clothes. This larger-sized box measures approximately 37.5cm in length, 27.5cm in width, and 12cm in height, and can be stacked as needed depending on the available space.

2. Foldable Storage Box ­– Monsters, Inc.

This bright blue and green box, decorated with Sulley and Boo, is full of fun. This smaller box measures approximately 27.6cm in length, 18.8cm in width, and 12cm in height – it’s perfect for storing art supplies and keeping your room neat and tidy.

3. Foldable Storage Box ­– Toy Story

With a red, yellow and orange colour scheme, this box features Lotso and Forky from Toy Story. Measuring approximately 27.6cm in length, 18.8cm in width, and 12cm in height, it is foldable for easy storage, and can hold a variety of items, such as building blocks, toys and books

CAUTION

  • This is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 4 years old.

USE AND CARE

  • Do not place near heat sources such as gas stove, ovens and heaters to avoid fire or damage.
  • Please use a vacuum cleaner regularly for cleaning.
  • For liquid spills, do not wipe directly. First use a paper towel to absorb the moisture, then use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning agent to wipe it clean.
  • When using a vacuum cleaner, please use a standard suction nozzle and do not use a rotating suction head.
  • The slight colour variance on decoration is an acceptable phenomenon.
Foldable Storage Box Set Redemption Details:
From 10 May (7am) to 9 June 2023 with any purchase#, customers can redeem one Foldable Storage Box Set for $199 or 9,000 yuu Points plus $139. Limited quantity, while stocks last.

* Transactions at Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre, Team Disney, Hong Kong Disney Resort stores and Hong Kong Disney Resort Food Kiosk are excluded.

#Excluding the purchase of cigarettes, milk powder, diapers, collectible programme redemption items, online game cards, mobile prepaid sim/mobile sim cards/value-added coupons, Octopus cards/products, Macau Pass cards/products, gift cards, prepaid cards, admission tickets/tickets/stamps, and plastic shopping bag charges. Also excluding payment for the following services including but not limited to: Octopus last 10 transactions printout, prepayment, Pin-On-Receipt, bill payment, donation, top up (including but not limited to Octopus, Macau Pass/MPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, Tap & Go, TNG and other e-wallets), fax & photocopying, mobile phone charging services, parcel pick-up and return, locker services, parking fee payment, Inspiration Lake activities, self-service laundry etc. For more details, please visit our website.Hashtag: #7ElevenHK #Disney100

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Lao Government Issues 21,000 Land Deeds in 2022

21,000 Land Deeds Issued in 2022 by Lao Government
Example of a land deed in Laos.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced the total revenue generated from land deed issuance in the past year at the annual summary meeting in Vientiane Capital on 4 May.

Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Announces 2023 Fellow, 12 Early-Career Scientists from the Asian Region

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 9 May 2023 – The Asian Young Scientist Fellowship announces its inaugural Fellows for the year 2023. The Fellowship has selected a cohort of twelve exceptional early-career scientists from the Asian region based on their remarkable accomplishments in Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as their exceptional creativity and potential for future research endeavors. The chosen Fellows have demonstrated their capacity to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and have displayed the potential to make significant contributions to their respective fields in the years to come.

Asian Young Scientist Fellowship – 2023 Life Science Fellow

The field of Life Science is characterized by an ongoing pursuit of innovative research that addresses various biological and medical challenges. In this context, four prominent young scientists, from mainland China, Japan, and Hong Kong S.A.R., have been selected to receive support for their respective research endeavors.

Peng Du, Peking University, China
Daishi Fujita, Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
Takaaki Yasuhara, The University of Tokyo, Japan
Ho Ko, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
(left to right)

Dr. Peng Du‘s work focuses on generating totipotent cells capable of generating both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. This research is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of the stem cell field, which holds immense potential for regenerative medicine and disease treatment. Dr. Daishi Fujita, on the other hand, will be exploring the application of his method of autonomous assembly of artificial structures to trap transiently interacting proteins or their active form for structural analysis. This research could provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying protein-protein interactions, which play critical roles in various biological processes. Dr. Takaaki Yasuhara‘s research aims to define how, when, and where the first events of chromosomal translocations occur. This study has the potential to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of diseases such as cancer and could lead to the development of novel therapies for their treatment. Dr. Ho Ko‘s research is centered around targeting a brainstem-hypothalamus neural circuit to extend health span based on his pioneering work in uncovering the fundamental rules governing the functional organization of synaptic connections. This research could lead to new interventions that promote healthy aging, a critical goal in our society as the global population ages.

Asian Young Scientist Fellowship – 2023 Physical Science Fellow

Physical Sciences comprises of a wide range of research that seeks to deepen our understanding of the natural world and provide insights that can be applied in engineering, medicine, and technology. Four distinguished young scientists from Hong Kong SAR., Mainland China, Japan, and Singapore have been selected as recipients of the Fellowship.

Yi Yang, University of Hong Kong, China
Yue Gao, Fudan University, China
Tomoki Ozawa, Tohoku University, Japan
Huaxing Zhu, Zhejiang University, China
(left to right)

Dr. Yi Yang‘s research is primarily centered on optical physics and photonics. This research is expected to contribute to the development of a unified mesoscopic framework for nanoscale electromagnetic phenomena, which holds immense potential for exploring the light-matter interaction at interface. Dr. Yue Gao‘s research areas are energy storage and conversation, batteries, and organic materials. This research is expected to contribute to the field of electrochemical energy storage and explore in the development of organic materials for transformative energy storage systems. Dr. Tomoki Ozawa‘s research areas are condensed matter theory, atomic molecular and optical physics, and topological insulators, which has a great deal of potential for the direction of many-body physics in synthetic and tunable AMO platforms. This research is expected to contribute to the topological states in photonics crystals with synthetic dimensions. Dr. Huaxing Zhu‘s research areas are the theoretical high energy physics that has the potential to contribute to the application of quantum field theory in high energy collider physics. This could lead to the exploration of first-principle quantum field theory operator algebra, precision quantum chromodynamics phenomenology, and high precision data from LHC experiments.

Asian Young Scientist Fellowship – 2023 Mathematics and Computer Science Fellow

The domain of Mathematics and Computer Science consists of research that is vital in advancing our understanding of nature and our physical world and developing new theories and technologies that transform our daily lives. Two young scientists from mainland China and Korea in the Mathematics field and two young scientists from Singapore and Hong Kong SAR in the Computer Science field are selected as the recipients of the Fellowship due to their merits and scientific prospects.

Yao Yao, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Kyeongsu Choi, Korea Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS), Korea
Hao Chen, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR., China
Reza Shokri, National University of Singapore, Singapore
(left to right)

In Mathematics, Dr. Yao Yao‘s research mainly revolving around the particle differential equations, fluid dynamics, and mathematical biology. This research is expected to contribute to modern applied analysis and continually discover in addressing challenging questions that arise in fluid mechanics and mathematical biology. Dr. Kyeongsu Choi conducts research in geometric analysis that has been selected as a prominent candidate for his research on the classification of ancient solutions to geometric flows. This research has enormous potential to advance the understanding of singularities for geometric flows.

In Computer Science, Dr. Hao Chen engages the research of trustworthy artificial intelligence, medical image analysis, deep learning, and healthcare. This research has the potential to contribute to the development of medical imaging and analysis techniques using machine learning. This could lead to the exploration of trustworthy AI technologies for medical imaging and analysis. Dr. Reza Shokri‘s research are centered on data protection and privacy, as well as trustworthy machine learning. This research has the potential to contribute to the algorithmic foundations of data protection and privacy, which could pave the way for the development of privacy protection mechanisms at scale and the design of trustworthy and privacy-preserving algorithms for decision-making.

Asian Young Science Fellowship (AYSF) is a privately funded research fellowship in the Asian region. It was launched in 2022 to encourage and support young scientists in Asia to conduct creative and transformative research, as well as providing long-term support to talented scientists at the early stage of their careers. Eligible candidates must be within 10 years post-completion of the terminal (Ph.D./MD) degree and have a full-time position at universities and academic research institutions. Furthermore, AYSF aims to create a community that promotes explorative thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, international exchanges, and mentorship.

The Selection Committee, comprised of highly regarded and esteemed scientists from Asia and the global scientific community, facilitates the process of recognizing outstanding researchers for their research potential. Candidates for the Fellowship are identified through nominations by deans and heads of the department at universities and research institutes across Asia. Candidates are then required to submit an application to participate in a rigorous reviewing process. Professor Hong Wu at Peking University, Professor Hong Ding at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Professor Katsushi Ikeuchi at the University of Tokyo respectively chaired the committee in Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics & Computer Science during the selection process of the 2023 Fellows.

Each fellow in AYSF will receive $100,000 USD over a two-year term to be spent on expenses supportive of their research. The funding is supported by individual donors who are leading venture capitalists in Asia. The initiation of the Fellowship is a pioneering effort to accelerate the advancement of science through philanthropy.

These twelve fellows will gather in Hong Kong on 16 October 2023 at the Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference to introduce their research work in length to a public-oriented audience. The close workshops will be held for young scientists to discuss solutions of big issues about facing humanity jointly with world-renowned scientists.

For more information about the 2023 Fellows and the Annual Conference will be updated on the Asian Young Scientist Fellowship official website (www.aysfellowship.org).Hashtag: #AYSF #Science

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Dear Reality releases new EXOVERB MICRO reverb plugin

Your entryway into a new level of spatial perception

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 9 May 2023 – Elevate your stereo mix with EXOVERB MICRO, Dear Reality’s latest realistic and spacious reverb plugin for stereo production. The compact audio plugin packs a punch, powered by the same proprietary reverb engine as its bigger brother, EXOVERB. Choose from eight expertly hand-crafted acoustic scenes for a truly authentic sound, empowering any modern audio production. Streamline your mixing process with the intuitive triangle pad to perfectly balance late reverberation, early reflections, and dry signals.

01_EXOVERB MICRO_Mood.jpg

EXOVERB MICRO provides the perfect entryway into spacious reverb, offering a selection of EXOVERB’s eight most-loved acoustic presets from four categories: Ambiences, Rooms, Halls, and Plates. Each acoustic scene is based on multiple synthesized impulse responses (IRs) developed with Dear Reality’s proprietary software, allowing you to create rich reverb effects that perfectly match the needs of your mix. Whether you’re looking for a subtle drum room or a deep plate for vocals, EXOVERB MICRO has got you covered.

“With EXOVERB MICRO, we want to enable everyone to benefit from the latest reverb technology,” explains Felix Lau, Product Owner at Dear Reality, adding that “EXOVERB MICRO’s easy-to-use interface with the triangle pad offers a perfect starting point for modern music and postproduction.” The results are natural reverbs with three-dimensional depth perception on all stereo playback systems – both speakers and headphones.

02_EXOVERB MICRO_Feature_Overview.jpg

EXOVERB MICRO features a user-friendly interface that makes adding just the right amount of reverb to any mix as easy as you can imagine. Using the triangle pad, you can simply balance early reflections, late reverberation, and dry signals to create the perfect sound. And like its big brother, EXOVERB MICRO provides instant access to essential parameters like Pre-Delay and Decay without complicated menus or sub-menus. With EXOVERB MICRO, you’ll get all the power and versatility of a professional reverb tool in a compact, easy-to-use plugin.

EXOVERB MICRO is available now in the Dear Reality store.

Hashtag: #Sennheiser #DearReality #Reverb #Plugin

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Dear Reality

Dear Reality is a leading company in the field of immersive audio controllers, best known for its binaural, Ambisonics, and multi-channel encoders with totally realistic room virtualization. The company’s products are used worldwide by sound engineers, sound designers, broadcasters, and musicians. Founded in 2014 by Achim Fell and Christian Sander, Dear Reality strives to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge 3D audio software for interactive and linear audio production. Since 2019, Dear Reality has been proud to be a part of the Sennheiser Group.

Lao Prime Minister to Attend 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia This Month

Laos’s Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation will attend the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, scheduled to take place on May 9-11.

Sokxay Group Gets Appointed as Sales Representative for Dao Coffee

Sokxay Group Becomes Dao Coffee Sales Representative
The signing ceremony to establish Sokxay Group to become Dao coffee sales representative

The Sokxay Group has become the sales representative of Dao Coffee after both companies signed a contract to this effect on 5 May.

Lao Athletes Make Waves at SEA Games With Impressive Medal Tally

Lao President Encourages National Athletes at 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia
President Thongloun Sisoulith with coaches and athletes representing Laos at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. (Photo : Pasaxon)

Lao athletes have been racking up more and more medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the country’s medal tally grew to an impressive 38 on 9 May.